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Proper Capo Placement
Sorry if this question has been asked and answered else where. If it has I couldn't find it.
I recently started using a capo because I'm learning to play and sing a song that is written way too low for my vocal range. When I place the capo at the fifth fret, I need to re-tune. It's a Kyser clamping type capo. I place it in the middle of the two frets. The closer I put it to the fret I'm capoing the more out of tune the guitar becomes. Is it okay to re-tune with the capo in place? Will it damage the frets? Would a different type of capo not cause this? The Kyser clamps pretty tight.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dale Kneeland on -
Hi Daryl. Leave the vest off. I have played with some guitarists who don't use capos. I envy them in their talent. Some of them do admit that the 'open string' sound is a plus with a capo though.
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Permalink Reply by Dale Kneeland on
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I have a Homespun Tapes instructional DVD that has several players on it. Tony Rice is one and he suggests placing the capo right behind the fret or even on top of it. He uses a capo similar to the Paige capo which clamps on and has a tension adjustment. I have tried his suggestion with the Paige and Kyser capos and have found that my guitars are in tune with the capo on and when it is taken off. I like the Paige a little better because I can adjust the tension. I have used the Shubb capo and liked it except that it made a little noise when putting it on.
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Permalink Reply by Pascal Proust on -
I use a Dunlop clamp capo. Tone disorder can happen when placing a capo, but if you are cautious about respecting a few basics (sometimes we want to place it quickly) you should avoid detuning. I'm certainly not a guitar guru, but at least here are some things I do, regarding my own experience:
- use a clamp capo: strings will be pressed all the way. Simple strap capos aren't sharp because they provide irregular pressure. To my mind, capos with screw gear may damage the neck in the long run.
- before placing the capo, check your guitar tuning.
- place your capo parallel to frets, and the closest to the fret where you place it (if it disturbs your fingering, place it a bit farther). It's the same right tone principle as for finger : the closer, the better for tone.
- check you're not accidently bending strings, even slightly, when putting the capo on.
At last, keep in mind that if the guitar is already not sharp on tone, it'll be even more abvious with a capo. To have a guitar sharp, for each string play 12th fret with finger and natural harmonic, the two tone shall sound equal. If the difference is too big for one string ask a luthier to set up your guitar (most of the time it's just a setup on saddle nut, but it can be on the neck or headstock nut too).
Hope this will help you.
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